$35bn in CSG projects left swinging

The immediate future of Queensland coal seam gas projects valued at more than $35 billion is in doubt with a hung parliament raising the prospect of further environmental delays.

In July Environment Minister Peter Garrett delayed the immediate future of environmental projects being promoted by rivals BG Group and Santos until October in order to consider the long-term environmental impact of the proposed CSG projects.

Labor’s decision to delay the projects may, in part, have contributed to Chris Trevor’s defeat as member in the coal region electorate of Flynn, based around the industrial city of Gladstone. Although the LNG projects begin in the south-west gasfields, Gladstone will serve as an export hub for the ­potential $50 billion industry with thousands of supporting jobs.

Queensland Resources Council chief executive officer Michael Roche said the uncertainty was unnerving for companies making multi-billion dollar investments in the state. “They will want to know pretty quickly what the situation is for them," said Mr Roche.